Support grows for Czech proposal to restrict Russian diplomats’ movement in Schengen

The Czech proposal to limit the movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen area is gaining traction and could be included in the EU’s 16th sanctions package against Russia, according to Jitka Látal Znamenáčková, Czechia’s Permanent Representative to the EU's Political and Security Committee (COPS). The plan would restrict Russian diplomats to their host country and mandate the use of biometric passports.

Czechia has secured backing from over ten EU member states, with more expected to join. The upcoming sanctions package, aimed at the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, will also target firms aiding Russia’s military and measures against Moscow’s shadow fleet used to circumvent sanctions.